The new year is a great opportunity to start prioritizing better hearing! Impacting over 48 million people, hearing loss is one of the most common conditions people experience. But it is still widely undertreated. In fact, only a third of people who can benefit from treatment actually receive it. Delayed treatment can have multifaceted effects on health and quality of life. So beginning the new year by integrating healthful practices is a great way to protect your hearing health.
Benefits of Treating Hearing Loss
It takes an average of 7 years for people to address hearing loss symptoms. This worsens symptoms and affects all facets of everyday life – communication, relationships, work life, and health. Fortunately, there are effective ways that hearing loss is treated which not only transforms hearing health but quality of life. Key benefits include the following:
- Strengthens communication: the most common treatment for hearing loss is hearing aids. These electronic devices absorb and process speech as well as sound which provides the ears and brain with ample support. This alleviates symptoms and increases capacity to hear. With more capacity to hear, people can navigate conversations with greater ease and comfort which strengthens communication.
- Improves relationships: communication is foundational for relationships. Hearing aids support conversations and allow people to spend quality time. People can fully participate in everyday activities and communicate smoothly. This alleviates the tension that untreated symptoms often contribute to, improving relationships.
- Enriches social life: social withdrawal is a major effect of untreated hearing loss. Hearing aids prevent this by providing the support needed to navigate social settings and activities. Hearing aids can reduce background noise and deliver enhanced sound quality which is especially useful in header to hear settings like social environments. This makes it more possible for people to fully engage with others and participate in social gatherings.
- Boosts overall health: studies show that hearing aids strengthen cognitive functions and support brain health, reducing the risk of cognitive decline which untreated symptoms are associated with. Treatment also increases spatial awareness and safety and strengthens mental health.
These benefits contribute to greater healthiness and happiness. Treating hearing loss allows people to live actively.
Tips to Prioritize Hearing in the New Year
There are several strategies you can practice in the new year to prioritize your hearing health. This includes:
- Schedule a hearing test: the first step towards treating hearing loss is scheduling a hearing test. Hearing tests are painless and involve a process that measures your hearing capacities in each ear. This identifies any hearing loss and the degree of impairment you are experiencing. Your hearing healthcare provider is then able to tailor treatment to meet those needs. Integrating yearly hearing exams is a great way to monitor your hearing health.
- Increase physical activity: exercise provides many health benefits including supporting healthy hearing. Exercise promotes blood flow and circulation in the inner ear where sound waves are processed. There are simple ways you can increase physical activity by taking a daily walk, stretching, and finding an activity you enjoy – biking, water aerobics, golfing etc.
- Adjust diet: studies show that diet can also impact hearing health. A significant study found that people following healthy dietary practices were 30% less likely to experience hearing loss. So adjusting your diet to include more vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, and fish is a great way to support your hearing health. These foods are rich in numerous nutrients that are great for hearing including magnesium, potassium, folate, and zinc.
- Reduce loud noise exposure: loud noise is a common cause of hearing loss. Noise induced hearing loss occurs when sensory cells in the inner ear are damaged. This type of hearing loss is completely preventable. Practicing the following safety measures can protect your hearing health: wear hearing protection (headphones, earplugs), maintain lower volume settings on electronic devices (TV, phone, speaker), avoid noisy settings like restaurants during peak hours, and take 5-10 minute listening breaks throughout the day.
Integrating these strategies in the new year is an effective way to prioritize your hearing health and wellness. You can start by contacting us to schedule an appointment for a hearing consultation. We look forward to supporting you as you commit to your health and wellness in the new year!
